Risk Factors

Sharing towels, linens, or other objects (even doorknobs) with an infected person

Exposure to chemical or environmental irritants

Contact lenses
, especially if contacts are not cleaned and stored properly

Seasonal allergies or contact with known allergens

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Red, watery eyes

Swollen inner eyelids

Scratchy feeling in the eyes

Itchy eyes

Pus-like or watery discharge

Swelling of the eyelid

Conjunctivitis will usually clear up within 2-14 days. If conjunctivitis is caused by a seasonal allergy, it may continue throughout the season. If it is caused by a non-seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur year round.

Note:
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem. If you develop these or any other symptoms, see your doctor.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Your eyes will be examined. If there is discharge from your eye, it may be tested. The discharge will help find the cause of the conjunctivitis.

Treatment

If you wear contacts, avoid wearing contact lenses until the conjunctivitis has cleared.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis:

Bacterial Infection

Antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment may be prescribed. These drops will help shorten the course of the infection. It will also decrease the amount of time it is contagious. Wipe away any discharge with a clean cotton ball before using the drops.

Viral Infection

There is no medication to cure a viral infection. To help relieve discomfort consider:

Applying warm compresses

Artificial tears (found in pharmacies)

Allergic or Chemical Irritation

Avoid the cause of the irritation. Apply cool compresses to the affected area. You may be prescribed eye drops to help relieve allergic conjunctivitis.

To Prevent Further Spread of Infection

If you have a bacterial or viral infection, follow these steps to prevent the spread of infection:

Keep hands away from your face and do not rub your eyes.

Change pillowcases and towels every night.

Do not share pillows or towels.

Wash hands frequently.

Avoid shaking hands with others.

Avoid swimming.

Carefully clean away any discharge with warm water and clean cotton (or gauze) and immediately discard.

Prevention

To decrease your chance of conjunctivitis:

Do not share makeup or eye drops with anyone.

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, pillows, and handkerchiefs,

Wash your hands frequently. Keep your hands away from your eyes.

Clean contact lenses daily. Never sleep while wearing them unless advised to do so by your eye doctor.

In case of allergic conjunctivitis, avoid the allergy causing substances and irritants.

Your doctor may recommend other prevention methods, depending on the cause.

Revisions

Please note, not all procedures included in this resource library are available at Allegiance Health or performed by Allegiance Health physicians.

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.